PHILLIES FILES: Phils trade another 'Baby Ace'

The Phillies have traded minor league pitcher Julio Rodiguez to Baltimore, according to MLB.com Orioles writer Brittany Ghirohi. In exchange, the Phillies have received outfielder Ronnie Welty.

Rodriguez, 22, was among a group of pitching prospects in the organization who were considered prized possessions. But the right-hander is the third in the group of five to be traded (Trevor May and Jarred Cosart are the others). Brody Colvin and Jonathan Pettibone still remain with the club.

In 2011, Rodriguez showed a ton of promise, posting a WHIP of 1.009 and an ERA of 2.76 with Class-A Clearwater. He was second in the league in strikeouts and innings pitched.

Last year, though, Rodriguez stumbled with Double-A Reading where he had a 4.23 ERA and a 1.470 WHIP. In 134.0 innings pitched, he allowed 14 home runs and 76 walks.

Welty, 25, climbed the ranks in Baltimore's minor league system last tear. Although he played in only 56 games, he moved from the Gulf Coast League, to Low-A, to High-A and then to Double-A. He hit .333 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs.